By Josh Davis, Associate Editor

(Jan. 4, 2018) A yearlong anniversary celebration begins Saturday in Ocean Pines with the dedication of a series of commemorative signs at association entryways.

Signs celebrating the 50th anniversary of the community will go up on the north and south gate entrances, as well as on the corner of Route 589 the Cathell Road, where the ceremony is scheduled to start at 11 a.m.

Expected to speak are Ocean Pines Association President Doug Parks, General Manager John Bailey and 50th Anniversary Committee Chairwoman Jennifer Cropper-Rines.

“We’re going to say a few words, we’re going to kick off the year and show the signs that were installed [on Jan. 2],” Cropper-Rines said. “The board has been invited and the committee has also been invited for the kick off.”

Cropper-Rines encouraged homeowners and residents to “keep an eye on the activity guide” for news and upcoming events “and start thinking about the events they might want to attend over the course of the year.”

Plans for the semicentennial celebration include an anniversary sign dedication on Jan. 6, anniversary license plate event on March 24, parade and community day on June 2, golf tournament on June 30, 5k run on July 4, beach bash on July 22, time capsule opening and cocktail reception on Aug. 11, racquet sports tournament on Aug. 18 and winter gala on Nov. 10.

“Every event has a task force and collectively as a group we’ve really put a lot of time and thought in,” Cropper-Rines said. “It’s a lot of work, but everybody on the committee has worked very hard and we’ve got a wealth of energy into it.”

She added that Marketing and Public Relations Director Denise Sawyer has “put a lot of time into this, also.”

“We are excited to honor and recognize the legacy of Ocean Pines, a premier residential and resort community that continues to provide awe-inspiring amenities and fun for the entire family year-round,” Sawyer said. “We invite residents and non-residents to experience ‘The Pines’ at one of our many anniversary events this upcoming year. We trust you will fall in love with the waterfront community that had swept Delmarva, Maryland and even the country.”

Sponsorships for several of the events as well as the overall anniversary are available, ranging from platinum levels at $5,000, to “Friends of Ocean Pines” starting at $50.

Gold level sponsorships are $3,000, silver are $1,500 and patron/bronze are $500.

Larger, corporate sponsors will receive benefits including prominent listing on 50th anniversary save-the-date rack cards, entry into the 50th anniversary parade and plaques and banners to be displayed during events, among other perks.

For more details, visit www.oceanpines.org/administration/sponsor-2018-anniversary or contact Sawyer at 410-641-7717 ext. 3006 or email dsawyer@oceanpines.org.